Use It or Lose It: Why Teachers Must Avail of the 5-Day Wellness Leave
Use It or Lose It: Why Teachers Must Avail of the 5-Day Wellness Leave
As teachers, your dedication to your students is unmatched. However, you cannot pour from an empty cup. To support the mental health and work-life balance of government workers, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) has officially established the 5-Day Wellness Leave (WL).
What You Need to Know Before Filing
Before diving into the "why," here are the essential "hows" of this benefit:Who is Eligible: All public school teachers (permanent, provisional, or substitute) are eligible to apply.
The "3-Day Rule": You have 5 days total, but you can take no more than 3 consecutive days. The remaining days can be used separately throughout the year.
Application: You must file your application at least 5 days in advance, except in emergency cases, when you may file immediately upon your return.
Purpose: This leave is specifically for mental health care, physical wellness activities, or a general "reset" from work.
If you’ve been hesitant to take a break, here are 5 critical reasons why you should file that leave today:
If you’ve been hesitant to take a break, here are 5 critical reasons why you should file that leave today:
1. It is ‘Non-Cumulative’
Unlike your Vacation Leave (VL) and Sick Leave (SL), Wellness Leave credits do not accumulate over time. If you don’t use your 5 days this year, they won't roll over to give you 10 days next year. It’s a "fresh start" every year—so take this chance to prioritize your health before the year ends!
2. It is ‘Non-Commutable.’
Wellness Leave cannot be monetized. While you can eventually convert unused VLs and SLs into cash (terminal leave pay), Wellness Leave has no monetary value. The only way to truly "claim" this benefit is actually to take the time off to rest and recharge.
3. It is Subject to Forfeiture
If the 5-day Wellness Leave is not utilized within the calendar year, it will be automatically forfeited. You cannot "save" it for a future emergency or an extended vacation next year. Once the year is over, those unused days disappear forever.
If the 5-day Wellness Leave is not utilized within the calendar year, it will be automatically forfeited. You cannot "save" it for a future emergency or an extended vacation next year. Once the year is over, those unused days disappear forever.
4. No "Medical Certificate" Required
One of the best features of Wellness Leave is that it is preventative, not reactive. Unlike Sick Leave, which often requires a doctor’s note for extended absences, Wellness Leave acknowledges that "not being okay" or simply needing a reset is a valid reason to step away. You don't need to be physically ill to deserve this break.
One of the best features of Wellness Leave is that it is preventative, not reactive. Unlike Sick Leave, which often requires a doctor’s note for extended absences, Wellness Leave acknowledges that "not being okay" or simply needing a reset is a valid reason to step away. You don't need to be physically ill to deserve this break.
5. It Protects Your "Cashable" Credits
By using your 5-day Wellness Leave first, you save your VL and SL credits for when you truly need them—or for your retirement fund. Think of it as a wellness buffer: it allows you to rest without chipping away at the leaves that have a future monetary value.
By using your 5-day Wellness Leave first, you save your VL and SL credits for when you truly need them—or for your retirement fund. Think of it as a wellness buffer: it allows you to rest without chipping away at the leaves that have a future monetary value.
Sample Request for the Availment of Wellness Leave
Dear [Name of School Head],
I am formally expressing my intent to avail myself of the Wellness Leave for this calendar year, as provided under the current CSC guidelines.
I would like to request leave for February 16-18, 2026.
I would like to request leave for February 16-18, 2026.
To ensure that my students continue their progress while I am away, I have prepared comprehensive activities for the duration of my absence. My Subject Group Head may refer to my Weekly Lesson Plan for the specific instructions and activities for my classes.
I am taking this opportunity to recharge to ensure I can continue to provide the highest-quality instruction to my students. As this leave is non-cumulative and subject to forfeiture, I would like to utilize it within this period.
I would appreciate your kind approval. I appreciate your support of teacher wellness.
Very truly yours,
RICHARD R. RAQUENO
Teacher VI
I am taking this opportunity to recharge to ensure I can continue to provide the highest-quality instruction to my students. As this leave is non-cumulative and subject to forfeiture, I would like to utilize it within this period.
I would appreciate your kind approval. I appreciate your support of teacher wellness.
Very truly yours,
RICHARD R. RAQUENO
Teacher VI
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